10+ Best Suitable Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for suitable books for 7-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and foster a love of reading? Finding the right books can be a game-changer in nurturing a child's literacy and enjoyment. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a book-loving aunt or uncle, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to discover a variety of lists filled with engaging and suitable books for 7-year-olds that are perfect for their reading level and interests.

Fun Suitable Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It unleashes the imagination and explores themes of anger and reconciliation in a way that's accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who love letting their imaginations run wild and those who enjoy stories about fantastical adventures.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Classic, Animal story
  • Synopsis: This beloved tale follows the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a gentle and heartwarming way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and stories about friendships that overcome odds.

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
  • Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: On a rainy day, two children are visited by a mischievous cat who shows them tricks and games, causing chaos in their home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging read that encourages creativity and shows the joy of a little controlled chaos.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy playful rhymes and whimsical illustrations, and anyone who needs a good laugh.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
  • Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and decide to go on strike, each expressing their grievances through letters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous look at perspective and problem-solving, encouraging children to think about everyday objects in new ways.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who like to color outside the lines and those who appreciate a good, funny story.

• Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time. Their first adventure takes them back to the age of dinosaurs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with education, sparking interest in history and science while keeping young readers entertained.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding historians who dream of time travel and dinosaur encounters.

Educational Suitable Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
  • Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A mouse walks through the forest and encounters several dangerous animals. To scare them away, the mouse invents a creature called the Gruffalo... only to meet the mythical beast itself!
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary development, rhyming skills, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a clever, witty story that teaches the power of intelligence over strength and the importance of quick thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mythical creatures and stories that involve clever problem-solving.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes the importance of science and curiosity, encouraging young girls and boys alike to ask questions and explore the world like scientists.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any child who is always asking "why?"

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young girl from Korea, is worried that American kids will not like her name. Her new classmates decide to help her choose a new name by filling a jar with suggestions, which leads Unhei to a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, self-esteem, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of cultural diversity and the beauty of having a unique name that represents one's heritage.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning about diversity and the value of respecting everyone's unique background.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Fiction, STEM
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming an engineer. After being laughed at for one of her inventions, she might give up—until her great-great-aunt Rose shows her that every failure is a step closer to success.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, perseverance, engineering principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages resilience and innovation, showing that failures are just opportunities to learn and improve.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and creators who need encouragement to keep pursuing their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Peter, a young boy in the city, wakes up to find the world covered in snow. He spends the day exploring the snowy landscape in this calm, beautifully illustrated book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation skills, experiencing and appreciating the natural world
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Children who love snow days and exploring the world around them.

Challenging Suitable Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big ears, who loves music and stories, and is in love with a human princess named Pea. It intertwines his tale with that of a rat who lives in darkness and a slow-witted serving girl with an unfulfilled wish.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, featuring multiple perspectives and a sophisticated vocabulary that challenges young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches important values such as bravery, forgiveness, and the power of stories. The rich, detailed narrative also enhances reading comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fairy tales and stories about unlikely heroes.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
  • Illustrator: Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel is narrated by Ivan, a captive gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But everything changes when a new baby elephant arrives and Ivan sees his surroundings through her eyes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as animal rights, captivity, and friendship, presented through the unique perspective of Ivan the gorilla.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that encourages empathy and awareness about animal welfare while fostering a love for storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in books that provide a window into the thoughts and feelings of animals.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her parents think of her only as a nuisance. When Matilda starts school, she has to deal with the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has a special telekinetic power that helps her stand up to Miss Trunchbull and protect her friends.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich language and a complex protagonist who deals with serious themes like neglect and bullying.
  • Why we recommend this book: Matilda's courage and cleverness make her an inspiring character for young readers. The story promotes the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about justice and using one's unique talents to make a difference.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
  • Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Edward Tulane is a china rabbit loved by a little girl named Abilene. Edward is very vain and only cares about himself until he is lost at sea. Through his journey, Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep themes of love, loss, and redemption, which are conveyed through a sophisticated storytelling style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound life lessons through the adventures of Edward, teaching empathy and the importance of emotional growth.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories that delve into emotional depth and personal transformation.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl
  • Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young orphan girl named Sophie who meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). Though initially scared, she soon realizes that the BFG is quite gentle and charming. Together, they set out to stop the other giants who are planning to eat children.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses playful language and a creative narrative style, including the BFG’s unique way of speaking, which provides a fun challenge for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and creativity, while the friendship between Sophie and the BFG highlights the themes of loyalty and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy whimsical tales filled with humor and adventure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits, here are some fun and effective exercises. These activities are designed not just to improve their reading skills, but also to make reading a more enjoyable and integral part of their daily routine.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spend time reading a book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading comprehension, and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the story more engaging.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a weekly meet-up with your child and their friends to discuss a book.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction through reading and helps develop communication skills.
  • Tips: Start with simple books and let the kids take turns leading the discussion.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the books your child reads, offering small rewards for reaching milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more and gives them a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Keep the rewards simple and reading-related, like a new book or extra reading time before bed.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before finishing a story, ask your child to predict what will happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will go in that direction, encouraging critical thinking.

Incorporating these exercises into your child's routine can make reading a fun and rewarding part of their everyday life. Not only do these activities support literacy development, but they also foster a lifelong love for books. Happy reading!